New AVR for HT setup

polknewby · December 2010

Hey looking for any suggestions and thoughts on a new AVR for my current HT setup. Running M-70s fronts, CS2, M-40s surrounds, PSW505, - and just picked up another pair of M-40s this week to complete a 7.1 setup. I havent got the backs mounted yet (waiting on cables to come in).

Currently have a Pioneer 1019ah-k that i got in March of this year. No problems with it but looking to have the best possible sound that I can...that and just love electronics! Ive been reading a lot on a few of the newer AVRs and wanted some advice and opinions from others.

I would like it to be 3d capable, even though currently do not have a 3d tv (just got my LED in February and do have to wait a bit on jumping on a new tv) but like to think future. The 2 AVRs I have looked at the most are the Pioneer Elite SC-37 and the Onkyo TX-NR5008. Im going to be doing 70% HT, 25% gaming, ~5% music. From what Ive read the Pioneer runs cooler and has more watts per channel than the Onkyo but I do like the 9.2 feature of the Onkyo.

Overkill for my current setup or any other suggestions? I found the Elite for $1399 (around $80 for shipping though) and the Onkyo for $1600 on newegg. Any better deals out there?

-Josh

tonyb · December 2010

Either one is top flight in the receiver world.

leroyjr1 · December 2010

I'd go with the onkyo 5008

larry777 · December 2010

Another option to keep in mind would be the previous versions of these receivers that can be picked up at even lower prices. To get 3D you would just have to pick up a Blu Ray player that has the 2 HDMI Outs ( Panasonic has one ). You would run the Video directly to the TV using 1 HDMI Out and the other HDMI Cable would go to the Receiver for sound. This way previous generation Receivers can still be used. Just a thought for consideration.

polknewby · December 2010

Not 100% sure but I thought that the 2 hdmi outs were to get the best possible picture you could- since the picture is shot with 2 offset lenses. I had heard that from someone and never did any reading up on it to see. Any thoughts on 9.2? Do all the speakers play on a regular 5.1 or 7.1 bluray (avr set to extended?) or how does that actually work? I know it took years to get to 7.1 and is there talk of actually any 9.1 or .2 movies being released?
The reason I liked the elite is it says it has the ability to upscale to 1080p and 240 hz. Has anyone had any experience with this? Because right now My tv only sees that on bluray movies and set on blur reduction with cable since it can only be processed at 1080i and 60 hz. Thanks for the help!

larry777 · December 2010

The second HDMI Out on the Panasonic Blu Ray mentioned above is used as described ( Few Blu Ray players offer duel outs and they have great video ). The 9.2 setup is flexable where you can run all channels in one romm using the Height Channels in addition to a regular 7.1 or 7.2 setup for the 9.1 and an additional Sub gives 9.2 You could also go with a 7.1 or 7.2 System in your main room and use two channels for a set of speakers in another room. Or 5.1 or 5.2 and two sets of speakers in two different rooms ( 3 Zones ). As far as audio recordings for the 9.2,its likely a ways into the future and may not even catch on very well.

polknewby · December 2010

I've never heard more than a 7.2 system and not real familiar with the front height speakers. Not to sound stupid - but do they give a feeling of added 'height' or increased surround with no real dedicated sounds in the initial writing of the disc? And can they be played all the time?
Out of the 2 mentioned above which would you go with? I looked at the sc-27 and for just $150 or so more can get the new SC-37. Camerakings has the 37 right now for $1369 new and free shipping. Any thoughts on them to buy from and any better deals out there? Really wanting to pull the trigger on it today...haha

larry777 · December 2010

For $150 more I would go with the SC-37. You also get the Marvel Upconverting chipset in these new models and it is supposed to be of very good quality. The SC-27 dosen't have this. Plus you get the HDMI 1.4 version for 3D. Those height channels only kick in at certain times and it will appear as though these extra speakers arn't even on most of the time. People who have heard them do say that it adds to the sound experience when the speakers do kick in.....but I havn't heard them myself.

polknewby · December 2010

Thanks for the help! Do you know anything about the website camerakings.com? They have the 37 for 1369 and free shipping. Just wondering if they are a solid place to order from or not.

larry777 · December 2010

I have heard of camerakings but have no experience with them. They should have a rating from others who have done business with them though. Usually these outfits have a store rating that will give you a good Idea. I am sure Pioneer would have also checked them out fully before allowing them to sell their products.

polknewby · December 2010

Well bestbuy didn't give me' the time of day like usual (may look more like I'm 16 and not a pharmacist- haha). So went home and emailed the eBay store again. Called this AM at 11 and the guy I had been talking to answered and was actually emailing me' back (8 am in CA) and answered my additional questions while I was on the phone. He said the Elite sc-37 was an 'A-stock' non grey market item with a US serial item number and it is brand new non opened box with all the items that are included from the manufacturer. Said he would send me' the PayPal invoice while we were on the phone. Gave me' a 2 year warranty they would honor (since they are not an authorized dealer- and got it in writing), and included shipping- fedex, double boxed, and fully insured all for $1385. Should be here in 4 days and can't wait!
From all that I had read from google sources, yahoo, and eBay this site seemed like a great company and legit. I appreciate the help and will be sure to let you all know how everything turns out- I'll be sure to update my HT pics as well!!
-Josh

nguyendot · December 2010

What good is their warranty going to be if they can't get authorized service?

polknewby · December 2010

He said they would replace it with a new one or give me $1400 store credit. Which in my opinion is just as good if not better than getting one worked on. But that's just me....

New AVR for HT setup

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